Saudi Arabia has announced a significant change to its visa policy, restricting nationals from 14 countries, including Nigeria, from applying for new short-term visas. The restriction, which takes effect on 13 April 2025, impacts multiple visa categories, including business visas (both single and multi-entry), tourist e-visas, and family visit visas.
According to the official notice, Nigerian nationals currently holding valid Saudi visas may continue travelling to the Kingdom until 13 April 2025, but must exit no later than 29 April. After this deadline, affected individuals face potential penalties, including a possible 5-year ban from entering the country.
Saudi authorities have indicated that the move is โpart of ongoing efforts to regulate travel ahead of the upcoming Hajj season,โ according to a Gulf News report. The decision reportedly comes in response to logistical challenges and overcrowding experienced during the previous Hajj season, when many pilgrims allegedly entered the country using visas not specifically designated for pilgrimage purposes.
This restriction follows earlier measures taken in February 2025, when Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended one-year multiple-entry visas indefinitely and restricted travel from these 14 countries to single-entry visas valid for only 30 days. (Businessday)